Chapter 17 Marceline was very familiar with this ringtone . When she had first learned that Curtis was keeping a woman at Pinebrook Villa , she had checked his phone and memorized this designated ringtone . She didn't know what was said on the other end , but Curtis ' expression instantly became a terrifying one " I understand . I'll be right there . You guys go look for her first , " Curtis said on the phone . It seemed that the troublesome person had disappeared again . Marceline had never met this person . After all , Pinebrook k Villa was full of bo of bodyguards , so she never had a chance to get close Curtis had hidden this person very deeply . In the beginning , calls from Pinebrook Villa came frequently . From what Marceline could gather , the woman was sickly and had a nasty temper . Somehow , her flare - ups always happened right when Curtis finally managed to return to Cloudcrest Bay , It was funny how that always worked out . After hanging up , Curtis said to Ken , " Stop by the roadside . " The moment the car came to a stop , Marceline sensibly opened the car door . " What are you doing ? " Curtis icily asked . Without saying anything , Marceline got out and slammed the car door shut . Then , she strode off without looking back There weren't many cars on the road at this hour , but at least the streetlights were bright . Still , it was inevitable that a woman walking alone at night would feel afraid . But compared to the chill in her heart , that fear was insignificant . Marceline had only taken a few steps when she heard the sound of a car honk ringing behind her . Her eyes briefly reddened , but when she turned around , she realized it wasn't Curtis ' car . Instead , it was Zachary's . Tears nearly fell from her eyes - all because of that fleeting moment of hope . In that instant , she wanted nothing more than to slap herself . " Zachary , what are you doing here ? " she asked in a slightly choked voice . Zachary opened the car door and handed her a tissue . " I just came from visiting Grandma . Why aren't you with Curtis ? " Never mind , just get in the car . I'll take you home . A girl was robbed here just a few days ago , so it's not safe to be out alone . " When Marceline into the car , she felt completely chilled to the bone . Yet , she remained calmer than ever . Both Zachary and Curtis were workaholics . There were always contracts and documents resting on their laps , no matter where they were . " That rascal Curtis , honestly . How could he let you leave alone this late at night ? Zachary said , exasperated . Marceline gradually steadied her trembling fingers . She forced a smile and said , " Zachary , can we not talk about him ? " Something flickered in Zachary's eyes , but he simply gave a quiet hum and placed his laptop back on his lap . He added , " If there's ever anything troubling you , just let me know . " Marceline pressed her lips together briefly but couldn't bring herself to speak . She desperately wanted to know who the woman Curtis was keeping at Pinebrook Villa really was . But three years had passed , and she had uncovered nothing Every time she tried to ask , Curtis eyes would turn cold and mocking in an instant , as if the subject itself were torbidden . Soon , the car stopped at the villa where Marceline now lived , and Zachary personally got out and opened the door for her " Marcy , you've stayed home all these years and haven't attended any social events . Sometimes , I honestly consider getting you a therapist . A relationship should make you a better version of yourself . Whatever decision you make , I'll support you " Marceline's chest tightened in pain . She had been tagging along behind Curtis ever since she was 12 years old from his toughest days to his rise as a new business elite . Now , he stood shoulder - to - shoulder with someone like Zachary , a true golden boy Fourteen years had passed in a blur . It had never crossed her mind that she and Curtis would end up this way , nor had she ever imagined there would come a day when she would want nothing more than to run from him . It was as if she was fleeing from a disaster . As Marceline stared dazedly in place , she didn't even notice when Zachary stepped forward to embrace her . " In my eyes , you've always been like a little sister . Even if you hadn't married Curtis , you're still the family's goddaughter . So , you shouldn't let yourself end up in such a sorry state . " To Marceline , this hug contained no romantic feelings . But the average passerby might not have seen it that way .